11/05/2026
Alektra was absolutley beyond grateful to be gifted these photos by the talented Angie who was one of the photographers .
Not only are these photos incredible, but they capture the very essence of what I was trying to express on stage through embodying this character.
I'll admit, this wasn't easy - Angie came in as a grounding force when my mask broke just before I went on. Once on stage it took me a little bit to shake that energy off, but soon I started to feel what this character was trying to express.
The Venetians used these masks during carnival to conceal identities and dissolve division of social class and status. I believe music and dance floors do exactly the same thing. I felt this mask would be an appropriate way to symbolise what I felt to express, which was to creatively interact with the dark energy that equally congregates where light shines. I felt this character gathering the energy into big balls and then throwing and kicking the balls of energy with every drop of the music and bass.
The intention was exciting and simple enough i thought, yet i caught glimpses of the reactions in the crowd which gave me a strong impression that some were scared and uncomfortable with the mask and character. My insecurities made me feel like my art wasn't welcome and I felt empty expressing apart of my soul, only to be, what felt at the time, as deeply misunderstood. An experience i felt would give me energy only left me feeling anxious and deflated after.
Yet beyond all doubt, there was . A shining pillar of open minded light, who gently reminded me after the show that our art is not to be expressed with an attachment to the outcome and to remain grounded knowing that even if one person was to feel the message of our art, then that in itself is worth its weight in expressive gold.
So consider this a homage to the wonderful who felt like my one person. 🙏✨️💗
